Docusate Sodium (oral)

About Docusate Sodium (Oral)

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Stimulant laxatives.

Docusate Sodium is used to treat constipation and is sometimes used to clear the bowel before medical examinations that require the bowel to be empty.

Constipation can be caused by a poor diet, not drinking enough water and not going to the toilet as soon as you feel you need to. Pregnancy, a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines, including some pain killers, can also cause constipation.

Docusate Sodium works by encouraging the muscles in the bowel to move waste products (stools) through the body. It also works by drawing water into the bowel, which softens stools, making them easier to pass out of the body

Docusate Sodium is available in capsule and oral liquid form.

Brands available are: Dioctyl; Docusol.

Before Taking Docusate Sodium (Oral)

Before taking Docusate Sodium make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• if you have abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Docusate Sodium (Oral)

• Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take Docusate Sodium exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Stimulant laxatives should not be given to children unless a doctor has prescribed them.
• Docusate Sodium takes about 1-2 days to start working, so do not be concerned if your constipation is not relieved immediately.
• Try to take Docusate Sodium at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Docusate Sodium, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, leave out the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time.
• Docusate Sodium should only be used for a short time. This is because the bowel can start to rely on this type of laxative to make it work rather than working on it's own.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than your doctor has told you. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Docusate Sodium contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any ‘over-the-counter’ medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside Docusate Sodium.
• Many people take laxatives when they do not need to because they believe that they should go to the toilet every day. This is not the case, as for many people it is normal not to go to the toilet every day.
• A healthy diet containing fibre (whole grain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables) with 6 to 8 full glasses of water each day and daily exercise are important in maintaining healthy bowel function. For people who have problems with constipation, food such as pastries, puddings, sugar, sweets, cheese and cake can make matters worse and should be avoided.
• Drinks containing caffeine (tea, coffee, colas) or alcohol can make constipation worse as they have a diuretic effect, which means they cause a loss of fluid from the body, causing dehydration.

Can Docusate Sodium (Oral) cause problems?

Docusate Sodium rarely causes any side effects. However you may experience tummy cramps or griping pains(colic). If you do experience any worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think are due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Docusate Sodium (Oral)

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Do not keep unwanted or out of date medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 21/02/2005